Garmin recently announced the Instinct 2 Series of fitness watches aimed at withstanding rugged weather conditions, including a model that uses the power of the sun to keep its battery charged.

Included in the new range is Instinct 2, which features a traditional 45mm bezel, and the smaller 40mm variant Instinct 2S. The Instinct 2 also comes in an optional solar model with a claim of “unlimited battery life” in smartwatch mode.

In the fine print, Garmin clarifies the unlimited battery life claim to rely on the assumption of three hours each day in 50,000 lux conditions. For the non-solar models, Garmin’s Instinct 2 Series watch batteries are built to last up to four weeks of continuous use on a single charge in smartwatch mode.

Available in a range of colour combinations, the Instinct 2 wearables include Garmin’s full suite of health and wellness features including VO2 Max measurements and Sleep Score. Additionally, the Instinct 2 Series is compatible with the Garmin Connect IQ store, allowing users to customise their watches with a range of apps and widgets including hydration, menstrual cycle, and pregnancy tracking.

“Instinct 2 Series is built to be bold, stand out from the crowd, and help you make the most of every day,” Garmin vice president of global consumer sales, Dan Bartel said. 

“But there is more than meets the eye with the Instinct 2 Series. It combines adventurous colours with Garmin’s industry-leading wrist-based technology to become more than just a smartwatch – Instinct 2 becomes a trusted tool to help you live life on your terms.”

The Garmin Instinct 2 Series is available from retailers now in Australia, with pricing starting from $549 for the standard model, and $699 for the Solar version.